NAD C 389 vs Rotel A14 MKII Detailed Comparison

NAD C 389 vs Rotel A14 MKII

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NAD C 389

Integrated Amplifier | 130 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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Rotel A14 MKII

Integrated Amplifier | 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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NAD C 389

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Rotel A14 MKII

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NAD C 389

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Rotel A14 MKII

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NAD C 389 vs Rotel A14 MKII Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing C 389 and A14 MKII, two Integrated Amplifiers from NAD and Rotel. Let's have a brief look at the main features of NAD C 389 and Rotel A14 MKII first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

NAD C 389 Key Specs

130 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Phono Input

USB Input

Bluetooth

HDMI Input (eARC)

Weight: 19.10 lbs / 8.70 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):3-15/16 x 7-1/8 x 15-7/16 inch

Rotel A14 MKII Key Specs

80 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Phono Input

USB Input

Bluetooth

Weight: 19.70 lbs / 8.95 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):3-11/16inch x 17inch x 14-15/16inch

What size room are the NAD C 389 and Rotel A14 MKII Amplifiers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these amplifiers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their max power parameters:

Listening Environment	NAD C 389	Rotel A14 MKII
Near-field	Poor	Poor
Small Room	Poor	Average
Mid-size Room	Good	Good
Large Room	Good	Average
Very Large Room	Average	Poor

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how NAD C 389 and Rotel A14 MKII compares and end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these amplifiers is the better choice for you.

**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Reasons to choose NAD C 389 over Rotel A14 MKII

MSRP Price(*)	1,499USD vs 1,600USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Watts into 8-ohms	130 watts vs 80 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers

Reasons to choose Rotel A14 MKII over NAD C 389

Watts into 4-ohms	150 watts vs 130 watts	Delivers higher power into 4-ohms speakers
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.018% vs 0.02%	Less Harmonic Distortion
Signal to Noise Ratio	100 dB vs 95 dB	Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Total Analog Inputs	4 vs 3	More options for connecting Analog sources
Roon	Tested vs No	Roon Compatibility
Base Surface Area	1641.6cm²/ 254.4inch² vs 1705.0cm²/ 264.3inch²	takes less space in your room
Height	94mm vs 100mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Inputs and Outputs

The input and output selections that are offered is an important factor when comparing two amplifiers. Here you can find how the I/O selections of the NAD C 389 and Rotel A14 MKII differs from each other.

NAD C 389 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 3
Phono Input
2 Optical Digital Input
2 Coaxial Digital Input
USB Input:
- USB-A(Service Only)
HDMI eARC

Rotel A14 MKII Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 4
Phono Input
2 Optical Digital Input
2 Coaxial Digital Input
USB Input:
- USB-A front(Connects to iOS devices)
- USB-A rear (Charging only)
- USB-B (allows connection to your Windows PC or Mac computer)
Ethernet Port

NAD C 389 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs

Stereo RCA, Sub Preamp Outputs
1/4 Headphone Output
Subwoofer Output

Outputs

Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
3.5mm Headphone Output

Rotel A14 MKII Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of Rotel A14 MKII?

Here are the items that come with the A14 MKII:

Stereo integrated amplifier

58-inch AC power cord

Remote control (RR-AX1400)

2 AAA batteries

5-feet USB-B to USB-A cable

57-inch Ethernet cable

Quick Installation Guide

Warranty/Registration Card

Important Safety Instructions

Addendum For Roon Test